Thai Stories for Language Learners

Book excerpt: The most enjoyable way to learn about an unfamiliar culture is through its stories--especially when they're told in two languages! Thai Stories for Language Learners introduces 28 entertaining Thai stories with bilingual Thai and English versions presented on facing pages. The stories are adapted from traditional folktales with roots in the Thai oral tradition, classic Thai literature, and Thai versions of the Indian Jataka Tales--which describe the past lives of the Buddha. The stories in this book include: "The Frightened Rabbit" is a well-known story about rabbit who hears a loud thundering sound and concludes it is a landslide, without investigating further. He runs about telling others of the landslide, thus causing unnecessary panic. "A Horse-faced Woman" is one of the most popular folktales in Thailand because the heroine's appearance and character differ vastly from other Thai heroines. Her equine appearance, unpopularity with fellow villagers, and passionate desires to marry the handsome Prince Pin Thong collide. "A Myth of Phra Ruang" is a classic tale popular among Thai people. It tells the story of a legendary hero--Phra Ruang--who frees the people of Lavo (Lopburi) from the ancient Khmer rulers. When the Khmer king tries to kill him, Phra Ruang escapes and is ordained as a monk. And many more! Alongside each story, readers will find: A list of key vocabulary in the Thai script, Romanized form, and the English meanings A set of questions and writing activities A Thai pronunciation guide Online audio recording in order to improve pronunciation and comprehension. This book will be of interest to learners who are beginning to read and write the Thai language and would like additional practice, as well as to general readers interested in learning about Thai culture.